Have you ever registered your child for an activity and then realized that you have no clue what you have gotten yourself into? I have... numerous times. I remember when I signed my daughter up for ballet, and I didn't know where to start- I could choose from footless tights, footed tights, different styles of leotards, and I didn't know the first thing about dance. It was so overwhelming and I didn't know where to begin.

Sometimes, we moms need a woman's guide to children's activities- Ya know, kind of like the girl's guide to understanding football. So, here is the start of a new I Am Modern series: Fake It Till Ya Make it. Do you have a sport, club, or activity that you'd like to weigh in on? We'd love to hear from ya!!!

Three years ago, my hubby wanted our son to follow in his footsteps and join the swim team. Like many sports- it has a little world of it's own. Being a mom that pretty much drowns while perfecting my freestyle at the pool, I had a lot to learn. I'm still at the bottom of the learning curve... but here are some basic tips:

SUMMER SWIM TEAM MOM!

-You can get away with only spending $100-$200 for an entire summer of swim lessons and a daily activity for your child- all the while meeting other mom's and gossiping pool side.
-Even if your 'hood doesn't have a swim team- there are neighborhoods that except outsiders. Go for it.:)
-Volunteer! Don't be the slacker family. It takes a village to run a swim team, and yes, even your precious time is needed. Sign up early in the season so you're not left with the crap jobs. And make sure you thank the parent's that sink so much time into the league- It is a huge undertaking and without their commitment, it wouldn't be possible.
-The basics: Age divisions are usually 6&under, 8&under,9-10,11-12,13-14,15-18. Strokes are free, back, breast and butterfly. Swimmers can then compete in individual medleys and relays. If you are thinking in your head "This is never going to end", typically- freestyle takes forever because everyone swims it, backstroke still takes long, but then the meet will start speeding up after that.
-Boys swim suits are now called jammers and go almost to the knee- They are much cooler than speedos.:)
-Use a sharpie to write the event number, the heat number, and the lane number of each race your child is in on their arm. It will definitely help the bull pen wranglers get them in their assigned spot.
-Overall, swimming is a team sport and everyone contributes- whether good or bad. It can also be an individual sport. Instead of hoping for a ribbon, stress to your child about making a "personal best." It's amazing how many seconds a child can shred from their time in a few months- and it is something to be proud of!
-Children will have glory years and growing pains. There is a big transition when you move up an age group. Don't expect to always be the best.
-Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen... even on cloudy days. Yes, I sound like my mother.
-Be prepared to feel like a stripper and always have dollar bills on hand for the snack bar. Make a family rule about what the child may get each meet to alleviate fights and making a scene in public. A ring pop won't kill your child- but letting them have five per meet means you are just pacifying your children and you aren't doing your job as a parent
-Summer swim team is all about team spirit and more laid back than year round swimming leagues.
-Be that mom. Visit the dollar store to get car paint and decorate your car. Others on the road will make fun of you, but your children will love your support and think you are the greatest ever... That is if they are still young.:)
-Learn who the "good" older swimmers are. Swimming is a beautiful sport and you will soon become their very own fan club and daydream about what you could have been. Ha!
-Respect your summer swim team. Don't wear your club apparel such as swim cap. You don't need to shout out "Look at me, I'm a year round swimmer."
-Invest in a good pair of goggles and label them. If they are not labeled, you will soon find yourself looking at every child who has the same pair like they are a thief. Been there- not good!
-Buy the team bag. They usually have holes in them and wet things drain right out... and prevents you from ruining bags you already have with mildew.
-See it through and stay till the end. Yes, you will want to bail out as soon as your child finishes swimming. But remember, it is a team sport- and the relays at the end are the most exciting races. When it is 9pm on a Wednesday night and you just can't take it anymore- there's always a bright side-at least your children might sleep in!
-Bring entertainment to the meets. More than likely you will be packed like sardines on a small pool deck. If your child has a DS, legos, or just something to keep them occupied, you will enjoy your time so much more!
-Don't be that mom popping Skittles in your child's mouth before their race. Trust me- that sugar rush isn't going to shave seconds off their time... and in the end, it's just teaching bad habits.
-Get used to certain terms like "Eat My Bubbles." You will be disgusted and think it's derogatory at the start... and before you know it, you might be writing it on a child's back. Never say never.
-Cheer and go crazy for your child at meets, but be a wallflower at practice. The coaches are there for a reason and they don't need you walking the length of the pool screaming kick! Let them do their job- and enjoy your break!
-There's lots to learn- especially for a nonswimmer such as myself. You'll catch on quick... and if all else fails- Put both hands above your head and yell streamline at the start, cheer their name during the race, and let your racer know how proud you are at the end.
-And most importantly- Have Fun... Afterall, that's what it's all about!